The Border Leicester is one of the British breeds of origins of which there are no doubts. They are the lineal descendants of the Dishley Leicesters bred and made famous by Robert Bakewell (1726-1795) of Dishley, Leicestershire. Border Leicesters are polled, long-wooled sheep and are considered a dual purpose breed as they produce both meat and wool. Though large in size and robust, they are also docile. The breed has been exported to other sheep producing regions such as Australia and the U.S.

wool has reached a length of around 100 mm (3.9 in). Lambs when shorn have an average of 1.8 kg (4.0 lb)

8 to 12 pounds with a yield of 65 to 80 percent. The stable length of the fleece ranges from five to ten inches, 38.5 to 30.0 microns, crimps per inch 2.5.

per inch. If spun thick it is a softer yarn, but if spun thin it becomes stringy. However, the thiner yarns would be an excellent warp for weaving.